With the rugby world cup fast approaching let’s see what we can take from rugby and use in our everyday lives. In rugby we see respect, trust, discipline, belief, courage and teamwork. In rugby there is a bond and over time through staying tight that bond is very hard to break. I saw it myself in my playing days where I’d look to the left and right and I’d know I could trust my fellow players to stay tight in the heat of the battle.
When you look at the scrum where 8 players pack down, if one person isn’t working the bond is broke and most likely you go backwards. In business and life we see this where people aren’t getting along, not working together and again the bond is broke and progress going forward is limited. Together we are stronger, together we succeed and together we march forward has to be the motto.
The importance of communication is vital because if everyone isn’t on the same hymn sheet, having the same vision, frustration only sets in and breakdown in the process is inevitable. Communication takes time to bed in but being a good listener will help move the process on quicker. Everyone should be crystal clear on the goals and action plan but not afraid to speak up if a little confused. A safe space is vital so that no one is felt put down.
Helping a person in need is also a part that’s imbedded in the rugby environment. We all suffer at one stage or another throughout or life where our confidence and performance can drop. Having a player, friend, coach or family member to reach out to is important to get back on track as quickly as possible. We all need help at times and reaching out is not a weakness but a great strength.
Resilience and the ability to get up each and every time you get knocked down is there to be witnessed in every game. In life and sport we need to see being resilient as part of the journey because getting knocked down be it a physical hit or an emotional hit will happen at one stage or another. Resilience training can help us deal better with stress, setbacks and challenges both on and off the field.
Decision making and the importance of split second awareness that something isn’t working is often implemented in a rugby game. In life and business we may not be working at that face pace of decision making but at times we need to move fast when something isn’t working out and change is needed.
There are very few sports where respect is of the highest regard and rugby is one. We look at the way players speak to the referee with such respect and respecting his decision when he makes a tight call even if you feel hard done by. In life let’s all have respect for one another and let’s work together as a team, as a pack to concur and be our best selves.
